U.S. will give free weapons to Afghan civilians
David Edwards and Stephen C. Webster
Published: Saturday December 27, 2008

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One way to quell a violent and deteriorating situation, according to the U.S. military, is to flood the place with guns.

That's exactly what is planned for Afghanistan, where a rising tide of chaos is slowly pushing the country past Iraq as the most dangerous battlefield Americans tread upon.

"The U.S. military plans to help the Afghanistan government recruit, train and arm local Afghans to fight a resurgent Taliban," reported CNN's Barbara Starr.

"For the United States, the most sensitive part of the proposal will be the use of American military funds to purchase small arms, most likely AK-47 rifles, that will be given to local Afghans, according to a U.S. military official."

"There are worries," Starr continued, "putting even more weapons in the hands of local communities could lead to tribes fighting each other instead of the Taliban. U.S. troops could get caught in the middle." The plan would also hinge upon the weak Afghan government to maintain the loyalties of the newly armed populace.

The last time the U.S. poured weapons into Afghanistan was during the administration of Ronald Reagen, who opted to back the Mujahadeen against occupying Soviet Union forces. The CIA spent billions arming the Afghans through the Pakistani and Saudi intelligence services, finally resulting in driving the Soviets out.

Ultimately, the wealth of destructive force and financial heft given to the Afghans concentrated around two groups: Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda, and the Taliban.

This 'new' strategy will be presented for President-elect Obama's consideration, Starr said.